Automatic shoe shining device



Aug. 11, 1964 B. LOEBLI AUTOMATIC SHOE SHINING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 9, 1963 INVENTOR. BELA LOEBLJ g 11, 1964 B. LOEBLI 3,143,752

AUTOMATIC SHOE SI-IINING DEVICE Filed Dec. 9, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. BELA LOEBLI 1, 1964 B. LOEBLI AUTOMATIC SHOE SHINING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 9, 19

INVENTOR.

BELA LOEBLI WW7 ATTORMF'K;

Aug. 11, 1964 B. LQEBLI AUTOMATIC SHOE SHINING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 9, 1963 BELA LOEBLI ATTORNEY! Aug. 11, 1964 B. LOEBLI Filed De c. 9, 1963 POWER SUPPLY CARRIAGE DR\VE MOTOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 .l COVER MOTOR I RLI To RLZ To RM To RU INVENTOR. BELA LOEBLI A TTOR/YEYS' B. LOEBLI AUTOMATIC SHOE SHINING DEVICE Aug. 11, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 9, 1965 O N INVENTOR.

55m LOEBL/ M9 W A7TURNEYS.

United States Patent 3,143,752 AUTOMATIC SHOE SG DEVICE Bela Loehli, 109 Park Place, Passaic, NJ. Filed Dec. 9, 1963, Ser. No. 328,936 12 Claims. (Cl. 15-31) This invention concerns an automatic shoe shining apparatus or machine.

According to the invention there is provided an appliance into which a user may insert his foot while wearing a shoe. The user may select the color of polish to be applied to the shoe. The machine will automatically clean the shoe, then apply the selected color of polish, and finally the machine will buff and polish the shoe. A particular advantage of the present invention is its simplified structure which employs parts electrically controlled in a predetermined tin-ring sequence to effect the cleaning, application of polish and final polishing. A further advantage is the multiple color selection it provides to the user.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an automatic shoe shining applicance in which a shoe is cleaned, polish is applied, and the shoe is polished in a predetermined time sequence.

A further object is to provide an automatic shoe shining appliance as described wherein a plurality of colors of polish may be selected for application to the shoe, and in which one group of a plurality of groups of brushes for cleaning, applying polish and polishing may be selected for use, the selected group corresponding to the color of polish selected.

Another object is to provide an automatic shoe shining appliance as described, wherein polish applying means and brushes are all electromagnetically controlled.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brush employed in the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of parts of the apparatus shown polishing a shoe.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a flexible roller top employed for the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an electrical control circuit of the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of an apparatus embodying a modified form of the invention,

In FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, there is shown the apparatus including a rectangular cabinet having front and rear end walls 21, 22-, opposing side walls 23, 24, a closed bottom 25 and an open top defined by a rectangular frame 26 in which is a rectangular opening 28. On the top of the front crossbar 29 of the frame is a color selector control knob 39 and a cover control switch 32. Knob 30 controls a three-position switch 30 The apparatus has a cover 33 normally closing opening 28. This cover, as best shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 9, is a flexible endless plastic belt with two generally oval openings 34, 36. Opening 36 is larger than opening 34 and is spaced therefrom along the belt. Opening 34 has a plurality of outwardly extending slits 37 all around its periphery defining flaps 37' for a purpose to be described. The belt is looped around in idler roller 38 near front end wall 21 and around a drive roller 45 near rear end wall 22. The roller carries a pulley 41 on which is entrained a drive belt 44 driven by a motor 45 mounted on the bottom 25 of the cabinet. The belt 44 is entrained on a pulley 46 driven by the drive shaft 47 of the motor. The motor is controlled by operation of switch 32 in a circuit to be described in connection with FIG. 10. Additional idler pulleys 48, 49 are provided at front and rear ends of the cabinet to support the lower course of the cover belt 33. The openings 34 and 36 are so spaced apart that in one position of the belt opening 34 will be centered within opening 36 as shown in FIG. 2. In this position of the cover belt a user of the apparatus can insert his foot wearing a shoe into the cabinet for shining of the shoe by the interior components of the apparatus.

Electric power for operating the components may be supplied via a power cable or cord 54 which is connected to a circuit box 52 in the cabinet through side wall 23. Index marks 51 on the crossbar 29 serve to indicate positions to which control knob 30 may be turned for selecting different color polishes and different brushes for operation in the apparatus.

Located inside the apparatus just below the openings 34, 36 when they are centered as shown in FIG. 3 is a treadle plate 6% This treadle plate has a corrugated traction cover 61 so that the users shoe will not slip out of position when rested thereon. Treadle plate 60 is pivotally carried by a shaft 66 on brackets 62 interfitted with brackets 63 on a table 64. A coil spring 65 is engaged on shaft 66. One end of the spring bears underneath plate 60 while the other end bears on table 64 so that the treadle 6t 61 is normally supported in an upwardly inclined position. When the users foot and shoe rests on the treadle the treadle is lowered and rests on elevated spacer plate 67 on the table 64. A pushbutton type of switch 76 is carried by table 64 for operating portions of the control circuit of the apparatus. The switch is located under treadle plate 60.

The table 64 is formed with a shoe heel resting projection 60'.

Surrounding the treadle 60, 61 is a generally oval rail 89. On upper and lower sides of this rail are tracks 82, 83. On these tracks are carried carriages 85*, 85; see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Each carriage includes a rectangular casing 88. On top and bottom walls of each casing are brackets 89 carrying flanged rollers or Wheels 90 engaged on tracks 82, 83 so that the carriages move around the rail. The brackets 89 are pivotally mounted on swivel joints 91 to position and accommodate the brackets to different curvatures of the tracks. The rail 80 is supported by brackets 92 attached to inner sides of the walls of cabinet 20. At the underside of the carriages is secured by angle bars 93 a flexible metal or plastic band or belt 94 which has spaced holes 95 extending peripherally all around the band. The band is movably guided in an oval channel 96 supported by brackets 92. Rail 80 has a plurality of oval metal ring inserts 98 which serve as conductive, stationary contacts in the electric circuit of the apparatus. Wires 98' are connected to contacts 98. Ten such contacts are so provided in vertically spaced array extending all around the inner side of the rail 89 facing the outer sides of the carriages. Each carriage has four wiper contact pins 99 contacting and sliding along certain ones of the contacts 98. The pins are urged outwardly by springs 100; see FIG, 5. The springs are seated in housings 101 to which wires 102 are connected.

In each of the carriages are three solenoids 110-112. These solenoids have plungers 114-116. At the end of each plunger is an arm 118 having a pivotally mounted plate 119. Three round brushes 120-122 are removably carried on the plates 119. Each brush has a flexible back 124 with a peripheral flange 125 which engages around the periphery of plate 119; see FIGS. 5 and 7. Any brush can be snapped off its supporting plate 119 by disengaging the brush back 124. Each plunger is normally urged outwardly by a coil spring 126, but the plunger can be retracted when the solenoid is energized. When a solenoid is deenergized the brush, such as brush 122 in FIG. 4, rides around a shoe S in contact therewith. When a solenoid is energized the brush is retracted like brushes 120 and 121 in FIG. 4 so that the retracted brush is out of contact with the shoe.

In the arrangement of FIG. 4 the leading brushes 122 in the path of counterclockwise movement of the carriages are polishing or bufiing brushes. The center brushes 121 are polish applicators. Brushes 120, the trailing brushes, are cleaning or dusting brushes.

In each carriage casing 88 directly under the solenoid 111 and to the rear thereof is another solenoid 105. This solenoid has a plunger 104 carrying a pin 104 extending outwardly toward the rail 80; see FIG. 5. This plunger is normally urged outwardly by a spring 105* except when the solenoid is energized. This solenoid 105 is connected so as to be energized when solenoid 111 is energized and to be deenergized when solenoid 111 is deenergized. Thus pin 104 extends outwardly of a casing 88 whenever the polish applicator brush 121 extends outwardly to the shoe being cleaned.

When a plunger pin 104 is extended it rides along rail 80 at its inner side and in turn closes angularly disposed levers of four different switches 106-109 set in recesses in the rail 80.

Directly under the solenoid 110 and to the rear thereof is another solenoid 105. This solenoid has a plunger 104" carrying a pin 104 which is urged outwardly by a spring except when the solenoid 105' is energized. Thus pin 104 extends outwardly of the casing 88 to ride along rail 80 whenever the solenoid is deenergized. This solenoid is connected so as to be energized when solenoid 110 is energized and to be deenergized when solenoid 110 is deenergized. Thus, whenever a cleaning brush 120 is extended outwardly in any carriage, its associated solenoid pin 104 is extended outwardly.

In the channel 96 is a lateral opening 130. Teeth of a sprocket 133 extend'into this opening and engage in holes 95 of band 94. The sprocket 133 is carried by a shaft 132 driven by a motor 136 mounted on the bottom of the cabinet. When the motor 136 is in operation, the sprocket is rotated and drives the band or belt continuously in channel 96 so that the carriages are move around the rail 80.

On the bottom of the cabinet is a cylindrical cup 140 in which is removably disposed an aerosol can or container 142 containing a cleaning fluid such as naptha, carbon tetrachloride or the like. The container has a valve 143 operated by a push button 144; see FIG. 6. A nozzle 141 extends upwardly from the container. A plunger 145 of a solenoid 146 contacts the button 144 and serves to pushthe button for discharging a spray of cleaning fluid upwardly when the solenoid is energized. Solenoid 146 is mounted on the inner side of channel 96. The container 142 is so located that it will discharge its contents upwardly upon the cleaning brush 120 when an extended pin 104 of a carriage reaches the lever of first switch 106 located in alignment with the nozzle of the container transversely of the apparatus. Three other cups 140 140 carry removable aerosol containers 150, 151 and 152, each similar to container 142 and aligned with levers .of switches 107-109 for closing by an extended pin 104. The aerosol containers 150152 contain liquid polishes of different colors such as black, brown, tan, beige, grey, red, green, blue, yellow, white or any other colors which may be desired.

An assembly of three solenoids 154-156 is mounted on the inner side of channel 96. These solenoids have plungers 145 in contact with the push buttons 144 of the containers for actuating their valves 143* to discharge contents of the container when the solenoids are selectively operated. When one of these solenoids is actuated the plunger of the actuated solenoid will advance and push a button 144 so that the container of polish will discharge a spray of polish upon an advanced applicator brush 121 of one of the carriages. The brushes selected to be advanced will depend on the color selection made by the user on positioning control knob on the cabinet; Each group of three brushes is assigned to a difierent color for cleaning, applying polish and polishing.

FIG. 8 shows how the pivotal mounting of a brush such as brush 120 causes the brush to incline to accommodate in position to the toe T of the shoe S when the carriage brings this brush around to the toe end of the shoe. When the carriage is at sides and at the rear or heel of the shoe, the brush assumes a vertical position or inclines as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 8, with out losing contact with the shoe. Each of the advanced brushes thus assumes an optimum position for best clean- H ing, applying polish and polishing the shoe.

FIG. 10 shows the electrical circuit 200 of the apparatus. The circuit includes power cable 50 in which one conductor 201 is grounded. The other conductor 202 is connected to terminal P1. The cover motor 45 and carriage drive motor 136 are connected to terminal P1.

The motor 45 is grounded through push button switch 32. Switch 70 is a double push button switch having one set of contacts 203 for grounding the drive motor 136. The other set of switch contacts 204, 205 connect a timer motor 206 to ground.

-in continuous contact with ring contact 98 The timer motor 206 continuously drive a grounded shorting arm 208 of timing switch 210. The arm 208 is carried on a shaft 209. The switch 210 has two arcuate contacts 212, 213 in an outer first ring, another arcuate contact 214 in an adjacent inner second ring, two other arcuate contacts 216, 217 in an inner third ring and a single arcuate contact 218 in a fourth inner ring. The arm 208 in rotating can short circuit two or three contacts to ground at difierent points in its rotation around the insulated switch plate 220 carrying the contacts.

The several arcuate contacts are connected to coils of relays RLl-RL9, respectively, as shown in the drawing. The relays each have normally open contacts C1, C2. The contacts C1 are connected respectively to the several ring contacts 98 of which nine are individually designated as contacts 98 -98 The tenth contact 98 is connected to power supply terminal P1. One of contact pins 99 projecting from each carriage and individually designated as contact pins 99*, 99 and 99 move around rail Each of pins 99 99 is connected to three solenoids 110-112 to apply power thereto. One terminal of each of solenoids 110, 111 and 112 carried by .each carriage is connected to one of the remaining contact pins 99 respectively designated 99 99 and 99, each of which pins moves around rail 80 in continuous contact with one of three adjacent contact rings 98 98, 98 -98 or 98 -98 Solenoids are each connected in parallel with adjacent solenoid 111 and solenoids 105' are each in parallel with a solenoid 110.

The push-button switch 106 has one contact 222 connected to timer contact 212. Push-button switches 107- 109 have contacts 223, 224, 225 connected respectively to contacts 226, 227 and 228 on insulation wafer 229 of switch 30*. This switch has three positions in Which rotary arm 230 contacts each of the contacts 226-228 in turn. The rotary arm 230 is connected to timer contact 213. The other contacts 232 of the push-button switches 106-109 are connected respectively to terminals of solenoid coils 146 and 154-156. The other terminals of solenoids are connected to power supply terminal P1. The plungers 145, 145* of these solenoids operate the push buttons 144 and 144 of the valves 143, 143 of aerosol containers 142, 152.

Switch 343 has another insulation wafer 233 with three groups of six contacts 235, 236 and 237. Each group of contacts is disposed in radial alignment for simultaneous connection to ground by shorting arm 240. This arm rotates with arm 230 and is rotated by switch knob 30 to any of three switch positions for selection of one of three carriages to clean a shoe, apply polish, and bufi or polish the shoe to a high shine.

In operation of the apparatus, the user or patron will first press push button 32. This will actuate the cover motor 45 which will advance the cover belt 33, from the closed position of FIG. 1 to the open position of FIG. 3 when opening 34 is centered in opening 36. The user will then release the button and the motor will stop with the cover belt in desired open position.

The user will then select a desired switch position designated A, B or C by turning knob 30. The selected position of the knob corresponds to an assigned color of shoe to be cleaned and polished. The user will then in-; sert his foot through holes 34, 36. The flaps 37' defined by the slits 37 will yield and will surround the users ankle as indicated in FIG. 8 just above shoe S to protect the users sock, stocking, trousers leg, etc., from soiling during the operation of the apparatus. The users foot and shoe presses down on treadle 60, 61 causing pushbutton switch 70 to close. This causes the carriage drive motor to be energized.

As the drive motor starts, the timer motor also starts and arm 208 rotates from the position shown in FIG. 10 counterclockwise. Contacts 212, 216 and 218 are first connected to ground via arm 208. Contact 212 is connected to the switch 106 so that this switch is closed once during each traverse of each carriage as pin 104 carried by the carriage is extended and closes the switch.

When the drive motor starts, all the solenoids associated with all the brushes are energized and retracted except the solenoid 110 controlling the cleaning brush of the selected carriage and its associated solenoid 105. This is accomplished by energizing all these solenoids through their associated ring contacts 98. For example, suppose the user has selected position A of switch 30 so that the cleaning brush 120 associated with solenoid 112 of the selected carriage is to be extended, then the polish applicator brush 121 and all the polish applicator brushes of the other carriages are retracted via closed relay contact C1, C2 of relays RL2, R14 and RL6. The plunger 1:04" and pin 104 of the deenergized solenoid 105 are extended. Relays RL2, RL4, RL6 are energized to close their contacts C1, C2 since timer contact 216 to which they are connected are grounded. The polishing brushes 122 of all carriages will be retracted because their solenoids are energized via closed contacts of relays RL3, RL6 and RL9. These relays are energized because they are grounded through timer contact 218. The cleaning brushes 120 of the other two carriages are retracted because the ring contacts 98 and 98 are grounded via the six grounded contacts 236 in position A of the switch 30 where shorting arm 237 is now located. It will be noted that relays RL1, RL4 and RL7 are not energized at this time.

The single cleaning brush whose solenoid is not energized will be extended and will be carried around the shoe S repeatedly. Each time the extended pin 104 on the selected carriage passes switch 106, the switch is closed by the extended pin and cleaning fluid is dis charged upward upon the brush. The retracted pins 1414, 104 in the other carriages do not close the switch 106 each time they pass this switch since they are retracted.

All the cleaning brushes 120 and all the polishing brushes 122 are retracted during the polish application period because their associated solenoids are all energized via contacts 236 and 237 of switch 30 The polish applicator brushes 121 of the carriages not selected and their associated pins 104 are retracted since their solenoids are energized via contacts 236 of switch 30 Thus, only the applicator brush 121 and associated pin 104 of the selected carriage are extended. The extended brush 121 receives the polish sprayed or discharged upon it by the actuated polish dispenser container 150, 151 or 152.

The selected polish applicator brush 121 revolves several times around the shoe S until the polish is uniformly applied. The timer arm 208 then moves on to contact 217. It continues in contact with contact 214 and leaves contacts 213 and 218. This starts the polishing operation. The cleaning brushes and applicator brushes of all carriages are retracted because their associated relays are energized via timer contacts 214, 217, so that contacts C1, C2 close. The polishing brushes of the carriages not selected are retracted because their solenoids are energized via contacts 236 and 237 of the selector switch 30 Also the switches 106-109 for all solenoids 146, 154156 are deactivated because contact 213 is open during the polishing period.

After the carriages have completed several revolutions around rail 80, the timer motor advances arm 208 to contacts 213 and 214 while leaving contacts 212 and 216 but remaining on contact 218.

The apparatus thus operates to advance in sequence a cleaning brush, a polish applicator brush and a polishing brush of a single selected carriage. Cleaning fluid is discharged upon the cleaning brush during the cleaning period and then polish of a selected color is discharged upon the applicator brush during the polish application period.

After the entire operation is completed, and the selected polishing brush is retracted, the user or patron of the apparatus removes his foot from the treadle 60, 61 to open switch 70. At this time, the arm 208 is located in space SP just clockwise of contacts 212, 216 and 218 for starting another cycle of operation, to clean another shoe of the same color. By turning switch knob 30 a different color polish can be applied.

After two shoes of a pair are shined, the patron or user can depress button 32 to advance the roller belt 33 until the openings 34, 36 are on the lower course of the belt so that the apparatus is closed.

The invention involves a much more versatile apparatus than prior known machines of this type. It operates automatically and requires no skill. The containers of polish and cleaning fluid can readily be replaced when empty. If desired to change colors, the brushes can be removed from their supporting plates 119 and replaced with other brushes, and the containers can be replaced with other colors. The brushes can also be readily removed for cleaning.

The invention contemplates an automatic shoe shining apparatus or machine having but a single carriage carrying a series of three round brushes 120, 121 and 122. This modified form of apparatus is shown in FIG. 11 wherein the carriages 35 and 85 and associated parts are omitted. In all other respects, the apparatus of FIG. 11 is similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1 and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent 1. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, means for moving the carriage continuously around the rail, a treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; means in the carriage for extending and retracting the brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, and circuit means in the cabinet operatively connected to the brush extension and retraction means for controlling the same.

2. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, means for moving the carriage continuously around the rail, 2. treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; means in the carriage for extending and retracting the brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, means for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes, means for discharging polish upon another of the brushes, and circuit means in the cabinet operatively connected to the brush extension and retraction means, to the cleaning fluid discharge means, and to the polish discharge means for automatically controlling the same in a predetermined timed sequence.

3. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a plurality of carriages mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriages continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by each carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from the carriages to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriages connected in circuit with said contact means for extending and retacting the brushes, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when in an extended position, a plurality of assemblies for discharging polish of ditlerent colors on other brushes, first switch means operated by the treadle, second switch means for polish color selection, and circuit means including a timing means in circuit with said first and second switch means, said solenoid means, said contact rings, and said drive means, means for selecting the brushes of one of the carriages, means for successively extending the selected brushes in a timed sequence, means for discharging cleaning fluid on one of the extended brushes, means for discharging a selected color of polish upon another of the extended brushes, and means for holding a third one of the brushes extended to polish a shoe upon which the discharged polish has been applied.

4. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a plurality of carriages mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriages continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by each carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from the carriages to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriages connected in circuit with said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when in an extended position, a plurality of assemblies for discharging polish of difierent colors on other brushes, first switch means operated by the treadle, .second switch means for polish color selection, and circuit means including a timing means in circuit with said first and second switch means, said solenoid means, said. contact rings, and said drive means, means for selecting the brushes of one of the carriages, means for successively extending the selected brushes in a timed sequence, means for discharging cleaning fluid on one of the extended brushes, means for discharging a selected color of polish upon another of the extended brushes, and means for holding a third one of the brushes extended to polish a shoe upon which the discharged polish has been applied, said cabinet having an open top, an endless flexible belt mounted at said top and normally closing the same, and means for driving the belt to advance the same across the top of the cabinet, said belt having an opening with a plurality of slits defining flaps for encircling a users ankle While the users shoe and foot rest on the treadle.

5 Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, means for moving the carriage continuouslyaround the rail, a treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applyingrpolish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; means in the carriage for extending and retracting the brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, and circuit means in the cabinet operatively connected to the brush extension and retraction means for controlling the same, said cabinet having an open top, an endless flexible belt mounted at said top and normally closing the same, and means for driving the belt to advance the same across the top of the cabinet, said belt having an opening with a plurality of slits defining flaps for encircling a users ankle while the users shoe and foot rest on the treadle.

6. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, means for moving the carriage continuously around the rail, a treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; means in the carriage for extending and retracting the brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, means for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes, means for discharging polish upon another of the brushes, and circuit means in the cabinet operatively connected to the brush extension and retraction means, to the cleaning fluid discharge means, and to the polish discharge means for automatically controlling the same in a predetermined timed sequence, said cabinet having an open top, an endless flexible belt mounted at said top and normally closing the same, and means for driving the belt to advance the same across the top of the cabinet, said belt having an opening with a plurality of slits defining flaps for encircling a users ankle While the users shoe and foot rest on the treadle.

7. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriage continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from the carriage to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriage connected to said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when in an extended position, a solenoid controlled assembly for discharging polish of a certain color on another one of the brushes when in an extended position, timing means in circuit with the solenoid means in the carriage for successively extending the selected brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, first switch means operated by the treadle in circuit with said drive means and with said timing means for starting and stopping the same when the treadle is operated, and second witch means carried by said rail and operated by the carriage as it moves around the rail, said second switch means being in circuit respectively with the cleaning fluid discharge means and with the polish discharge means for discharging the cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when it is extended during said timed sequence and for discharging polish upon another of the brushes when it is extended during said timed sequence.

8. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriage continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from the carriage to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriage connected to said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when in an -extended position, a solenoid controlled assembly for discharging polish of a certain color on another one of the brushes when in an extended position, timing means in circuit with the solenoid means in the carriage for successively extending the selected brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, first switch means operated by the treadle in circuit with said drive means and with said timing means for starting and stopping the same when the treadle is operated, and second switch means carried by said rail and operated by the carriage as it moves around the rail, said second switch means being in circuit respectively with the cleaning fluid discharge means and with the polish discharge means for discharging the cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when it is extended during said timed sequence and for discharging polish upon another of the brushes when it is extended during said timed sequence, each of said brushes including a flexible back, said solenoid means including plates detachably engaged by the backs of the several brushes.

9. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a carriage mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriage continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by the carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from the carriage to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriage connected to said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when in an extended position, a solenoid controlled assembly for discharging polish of a certain color on another one of the brushes when in an extended position, timing means in circuit with the solenoid means in the carriage for successively extending the selected brushes in a predetermined timed sequence, first switch means operated by the treadle in circuit with said drive means and with said timing means for starting and stopping the same when the treadle is operated, and second switch means carried by said rail and operated by the carriage as it moves around the rail, said second switch means being in circuit respectively with the cleaning fluid discharge means and with the polish discharge means for discharging the cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when it is extended during said timed sequence and for discharging polish upon another of the brushes when it is extended during said timed sequence, each of said brushes including a flexible back, said solenoid means including plates detachably engaged by the backs of the several brushes, said cabinet having an open top, an endless flexible belt mounted at said top and normally closing the same, and means for driving the belt 1% to advance the same across the top of the cabinet, said belt having an opening with a plurality of slits defining flaps for encircling a users ankle while the users shoe and foot rest on the treadle.

10. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a plurality of carriages mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriages continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by each carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from each carriage to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriages connected to said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes of any one of the carriages, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes on each carriage when in an extended position, a plurality of solenoid controlled assemblies for selectively discharging polish of a different color upon another one of the brushes on each carriage when in an extended position, circuit control means in circuit with the solenoid means in the carriages for holding the brushes of all carriages except one carriage in retracted position while the brushes of said one carriage are sequentially extended and retracted, first switch means operated by the treadle in circuit with said drive means for starting and stopping the same when the treadle is operated, second switch means carried by said rail and operated by the one carriage as it moves around the rail, said second switch means being in circuit respectively with the cleaning fluid discharge means and with the polish discharge means for discharging the cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when it is extended and for discharging only one selected color of polish upon another of the brushes when it is extended, timing means, and selection switch means in circuit with said timing means, said solenoid means and said polish discharge means, means for selecting the brushes of said one carriage to clean the shoe, to apply polish thereto and to polish the shoe, and means for selecting polish of a particular color to be applied to the shoe, all in a predetermined timed sequence.

11. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a plurality of carriages mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriages continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by each carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from each carriage to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriages connected to said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes of any one of the carriages, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes on each carriage when in an extended position, a plurality of solenoid controlled assemblies for selectively discharging polish of a different color upon another one of the brushes on each carriage when in an extended position, circuit control means in circuit with the solenoid means in the carriages for holding the brushes of all carriages except one carriage in retracted position while the brushes of said one carriage are sequentially extended and retracted, first switch means operated by the treadle in circuit with said drive means for starting and stopping the same when the treadle is operated, second switch means carried by said rail and operated by the one carriage as it moves around the rail, said second switch means being in circuit respectively with the cleaning fluid discharge means and with the polish discharge means for discharging the cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when it is extended and for discharging only one selected color of polish upon another of the brushes when it is extended, timing means, and selection switch means in circuit with said timing means, said solenoid means and said polish discharge means, means for selecting the brushes of said one carriage to clean the shoe, to apply polish thereto and to polish the shoe, and means for selecting polish of a particular color to be applied to the shoe, all in a predetermined timed sequence, said cabinet having an open top, an endless flexible belt mounted at said top and normally closing the same, and means for driving the belt to advance the same across the top of the cabinet, said belt having an opening with a plurality of slits defining flaps for encircling a users ankle while the users shoe and foot rest on the treadle.

12. Automatic shoe shining apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a horizontal endless rail in said cabinet, a plurality of carriages mounted on said rail, drive means for moving the carriages continuously around the rail, a movable treadle in the cabinet disposed for supporting a shoe to be shined, a plurality of brushes carried by each carriage and facing the treadle for respectively cleaning the shoe, applying polish thereto, and for polishing the shoe; endless contact rings carried by the rail, contact means extending from each carriage to ride along the contact rings, solenoid means in the carriages connected to said contact means for extending and retracting the brushes of any one of the carriages, means in the cabinet for discharging cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes on each carriage when in an extended position, a plurality of solenoid controlled assemblies for selectively discharging polish of a different color upon another one of the brushes on each carriage when in an extended position, circuit control means in circuit with the solenoid means in the carriages for holding the brushes of all carriages except one carriage in retracted position while the brushes of said one carriage are sequentially extended and retracted, first switch means operated by the treadle in circuit With said drive means for starting and stopping the same when the treadle' is operated, second switch means carried by said rail and operated by the one carriage as it moves around the rail, said second switch means being in circuit respectively with the cleaning fluid discharge means and with the polish discharge means for discharging the cleaning fluid upon one of the brushes when it is extended and for discharging only one selected color of polish upon another of the brushes when it is extended, timing means, and selection switch means in circuit with said timing means, said solenoid means and said polish discharge means, means for selecting the brushes of said one carriage to clean the shoe, to apply polish thereto and to polish the shoe, and means for selecting polish of a particular color to be applied to the shoe, all in a predetermined timed sequence, said cabinet having an open top, an endless flexible belt mounted at said top and normally closing the same, and means for driving the belt to advance the same across the top of the cabinet, said belt having an opening with a plurality of slits defining flaps for encircling a users ankle while the users shoe and foot rest on the treadle, each of said brushes including a flexible back, said solenoid means including plates detachably engaged by the backs of the several brushes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,769,190 Ashley Nov. 6, 1956 2,774,088 Liska Dec. 18, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 704,885 Germany Apr. 9, 194] 

1. AUTOMATIC SHOE SHINING APPARATUS, COMPRISING A CABINET, A HORIZONTAL ENDLESS RAIL IN SAID CABINET, A CARRIAGE MOUNTED ON SAID RAIL, MEANS FOR MOVING THE CARRIAGE CONTINUOUSLY AROUND THE RAIL, A TREADLE IN THE CABINET DISPOSED FOR SUPPORTING A SHOE TO BE SHINED, A PLURALITY OF BRUSHES CARRIED BY THE CARRIAGE AND FACING THE TREADLE FOR RESPECTIVELY CLEANING THE SHOE, APPLYING POLISH THERETO, AND FOR POLISHING THE SHOE; MEANS IN THE CARRIAGE FOR EXTENDING AND RETRACTING THE BRUSHES IN A PREDETERMINED TIMED SEQUENCE, AND CIRCUIT MEANS IN THE CABINET OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO THE BRUSH EXTENSION AND RETRACTION MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME. 